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Deputy Donut Mystery #9
Blame the Beignets
As the weather cools down, business heats up at Deputy Donut Café for owner Emily Westhill. But is a stubborn tabby cat, a mysterious new employee, and a murder case with a baker’s dozen worth of suspects too much to manage?
With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .
Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . .
With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .
Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . .
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2024
53 people are currently reading
296 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Bolton
10books510followersGinger Bolton writes the Deputy Donut mystery series--cops, crime, coffee, donuts and one curious cat. When Ginger isn't writing or reading, she's crocheting, knitting, walking her two rescue dogs and generally causing trouble.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 24, 2024
I received a free copy of, Blame the Beignets, by Ginger Bolton, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book nine in The Deputy Donuts Mystery series. Emily owns The Deputy Donut Shop, she has new help Hannah, who has a few admirers, when a dead body is found, with Hannah's hair clip at the crime, Emily has a murder to solve. This was a n enjoyable read, I liked the recipes in the back of the book.
November 27, 2024
This is the 9th book in the Deputy Donut Mystery series and while I haven’t read all of the earlier books I still enjoyed this installment. I loved the idea of a donut shop owned by a retired police officer with a cat mascot called Deputy Donut. Dep was an adorable animal companion and I thought she added a lot to my enjoyment. Emily is excited to host a baby shower for her friend and has a lot to do to get ready beyond her normal shifts at the donut shop. When a body is found and one of her employees may have been in the vicinity she is determined to subtly investigate to make sure her employee isn’t in any trouble. Her husband, the detective, isn’t a fan of her investigating and warns her to be careful, but they communicated about the clues she found well and it felt like he supported her. I liked the mystery even if it wasn’t quite as twisty as I would have preferred. It took me a little bit to really get into this one, but once I did it was a fun cozy mystery read.
December 8, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
The Deputy Donut Café is one of the most popular shops in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, and people love the new beignets so owner Emily Westhill is happy to hire her assistant Olivia’s younger sister Hannah who is taking a break from college. It isn’t long before some of her friends start regularly showing up at the cafe. They both appear to be sweet on Hannah. Emily is fine with Hannah sitting with them on her breaks but Olivia thinks the young men are trouble.
Olivia could be right. When Emily notices a trail of fresh beignets in the forest that borders her lakeside home she follows it straight to a dead body. Hannah’s admirers had bought some beignets earlier and it looks like Hannah’s hairclip on the trail. With Hannah a probable suspect, Emily needs to find out what happened. Are the boys she’s been hanging out with killers? Or did the victim have enemies who wanted him dead?
Emily and her “recently acquired husband� Brent have put the past behind them and stopped blaming themselves for Alec’s death. They will always miss him but decided the years spent avoiding each other never worked and they can finally be “crazy-happy together�. Ms. Bolton handled their grieving and their growth into a strong couple in a very touching way. Everyone in their lives weighed in on the relationship including Alec’s dad and Emily’s partner at The Deputy Donut Café. All the core characters feel very true to life dealing with real-life issues with a murder thrown in to shake things up. I can’t forget Dep, the mascot of the café. The “mischievous tortoiseshell tabby� has a way of stealing every scene she is in.
I was very captivated by this story. The death takes place in one of Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks. Some places can only be reached from the water. Emily and Brent’s home is right on Chicory Lake and she was out in her kayak with Dep when she heard someone scream. She traveled as quickly as she could but she was too late to help the person who had fallen. Our family visits one of our state parks often and there have been people who have fallen from the cliffs and died over the years. Of course, this victim may have had a little help. Emily did a lot of the investigating on her own as Brent was just plain busy. The case had more twists than a spiral pretzel and Emily worked hard to untangle each one. The climatic takedown was excellent, exciting, and funny too. There are some women in Fallingbrook you just shouldn’t mess with.
True confession I Door Dashed a half dozen donuts the morning after I finished this book. They didn’t have beignets but some powered creamed filled donuts did fine in a pinch. There are some recipes after the story that I do want to try but I woke up with quite a craving.
Blame the Beignets was a perplexing whodunit with a plethora of suspects that kept both me and Emily guessing. I enjoyed my time in Fallingbrook and can’t wait to travel up the highway again to spend more time with these characters and some more time at Emily and Brent’s on Chicory Lake. This book can be read on its own but to really get to know the characters I recommend starting at the beginning of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
The Deputy Donut Café is one of the most popular shops in Fallingbrook, Wisconsin, and people love the new beignets so owner Emily Westhill is happy to hire her assistant Olivia’s younger sister Hannah who is taking a break from college. It isn’t long before some of her friends start regularly showing up at the cafe. They both appear to be sweet on Hannah. Emily is fine with Hannah sitting with them on her breaks but Olivia thinks the young men are trouble.
Olivia could be right. When Emily notices a trail of fresh beignets in the forest that borders her lakeside home she follows it straight to a dead body. Hannah’s admirers had bought some beignets earlier and it looks like Hannah’s hairclip on the trail. With Hannah a probable suspect, Emily needs to find out what happened. Are the boys she’s been hanging out with killers? Or did the victim have enemies who wanted him dead?
Emily and her “recently acquired husband� Brent have put the past behind them and stopped blaming themselves for Alec’s death. They will always miss him but decided the years spent avoiding each other never worked and they can finally be “crazy-happy together�. Ms. Bolton handled their grieving and their growth into a strong couple in a very touching way. Everyone in their lives weighed in on the relationship including Alec’s dad and Emily’s partner at The Deputy Donut Café. All the core characters feel very true to life dealing with real-life issues with a murder thrown in to shake things up. I can’t forget Dep, the mascot of the café. The “mischievous tortoiseshell tabby� has a way of stealing every scene she is in.
I was very captivated by this story. The death takes place in one of Wisconsin’s beautiful state parks. Some places can only be reached from the water. Emily and Brent’s home is right on Chicory Lake and she was out in her kayak with Dep when she heard someone scream. She traveled as quickly as she could but she was too late to help the person who had fallen. Our family visits one of our state parks often and there have been people who have fallen from the cliffs and died over the years. Of course, this victim may have had a little help. Emily did a lot of the investigating on her own as Brent was just plain busy. The case had more twists than a spiral pretzel and Emily worked hard to untangle each one. The climatic takedown was excellent, exciting, and funny too. There are some women in Fallingbrook you just shouldn’t mess with.
True confession I Door Dashed a half dozen donuts the morning after I finished this book. They didn’t have beignets but some powered creamed filled donuts did fine in a pinch. There are some recipes after the story that I do want to try but I woke up with quite a craving.
Blame the Beignets was a perplexing whodunit with a plethora of suspects that kept both me and Emily guessing. I enjoyed my time in Fallingbrook and can’t wait to travel up the highway again to spend more time with these characters and some more time at Emily and Brent’s on Chicory Lake. This book can be read on its own but to really get to know the characters I recommend starting at the beginning of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
November 6, 2024
This series is my happy place and spending this book with Emily and her friends was just a balm for me. Even though we did not see as much of Misty and Samantha in this one (understandably) I still enjoyed this cozy town and appreciated the focus on a newer setting of the cabin and the lake/trails. This was a lovely autumnal read that made me want to get outside in the last of our fall weather here as well. I am happy to see Emily and Brent as snuggly newlyweds (one of my gripes in the past was not enough cute interactions with them and this was wonderful). Deb of course stole the show (a cat in an adorable tiny life vest on a kayak?!) I was shocked by the reveals and love ho everything wrapped up.
I already cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts are my own.
I already cannot wait for more!
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my thoughts are my own.
November 26, 2024
"Blame the Beignets (Deputy Donut Mystery #9)" by Ginger Bolton is set in early fall. Emily and her husband are spending a lot of time at their lake home. He even built a catio for Deputy Donut there. They say the house Emily owns in town is more convenient for work but they're only really there to check on the house from time to time. I think she stayed at the house once the whole book. Time to decide I think.
The mystery is around the death of the local lazy handyman, not so handy really, and camp manager. He has a few people he seems to have recently upset. My main suspect felt a little unfinished in the end. I was a bit off up until the actual culprit was pretty much strongly hinted at. That seems to be where my main suspect's part of the story just abruptly ended. A little like the author wasn't sure until that point who the final reveal would point to.
Overall, it was a good story. Had a few red herrings and good twists. I wish I had some beignets now.
The mystery is around the death of the local lazy handyman, not so handy really, and camp manager. He has a few people he seems to have recently upset. My main suspect felt a little unfinished in the end. I was a bit off up until the actual culprit was pretty much strongly hinted at. That seems to be where my main suspect's part of the story just abruptly ended. A little like the author wasn't sure until that point who the final reveal would point to.
Overall, it was a good story. Had a few red herrings and good twists. I wish I had some beignets now.
December 1, 2024
Hmm it felt just okay. They figured out the who for quite a while I feel like. And she just seemed so kind of older. She really was trying to tell Hannah who to date and she was soooo concerned about that. It was kind of odd, I understood her older sister but not her.
November 10, 2024
It seems like everyone in the town of Fallingbrook, Wisconsin are enjoying the beignets that Emily Westhill is making in the Deputy Donut Cafe, named after her cat, Deputy. Crumbs left behind near a crime scene may even be a clue to the suspicious death.There are quite a few suspects and Emily is helping her husband, Detective Brent Fyne, get information that could help solve the case. Emily is hoping that evidence doesn't point to her assistant's younger sister Hannah who has been helping out at the cafe. The case is more complicated than it seems but the ending is satisfying. Emily and Brent make a wonderful couple and their sweet relationship is a highlight of the books that I've read in this series. For those who are interested, there are a few great-sounding recipes at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Kensington Cozies for providing a review copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Kensington Cozies for providing a review copy of this ebook. My review is voluntary and unbiased.
January 20, 2025
Review coming soon.
November 30, 2024
This series used to be fun�
� but I think I’ve outgrown it. I’m turned off by the main character’s constant efforts at matchmaking and giving too much (unsolicited) advice about other people’s lives. And could the word “catio� have been used any more?
� but I think I’ve outgrown it. I’m turned off by the main character’s constant efforts at matchmaking and giving too much (unsolicited) advice about other people’s lives. And could the word “catio� have been used any more?
November 8, 2024
I received a free copy from the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. I voluntarily wrote a review.
A nice cozy mystery set in the Deputy Donut Coffee Shop. I really liked Emily and her husband Brent’s relationship. The main characters were likable and there were a lot of suspects. It almost became too much towards the end trying to keep all the suspects straight. It felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Overall this is a series I am happy to continue.
A nice cozy mystery set in the Deputy Donut Coffee Shop. I really liked Emily and her husband Brent’s relationship. The main characters were likable and there were a lot of suspects. It almost became too much towards the end trying to keep all the suspects straight. It felt like the ending was a bit rushed. Overall this is a series I am happy to continue.
January 7, 2025
It was good to catch up with Emily, Brent, Deputy, and the whole Donut crew. This book had a different feel. Some of it is obviously that Brett and Emily are married, but more than that, Emily actually spends a great deal of this mystery away from Deputy Donut and the friend groups is very much on the edges. This book deals with the murder of a man who had made one visit to the Donut Shop but was found by Emily after she heard a scream while kayaking in the lake by Brent and her house out near the State Forest. Fearing that her new employee, who was supposed to be in the area at the time, could be in danger, Emily instead finds a body that had fallen down a cliffside. This mystery kind of meanders in one direction then ends up in a very different one. I liked the relationship development between Emily and Brent but found I missed a lot of the regular antics as Emily spends a lot of time alone in this one.
March 14, 2025
4.5 stars. This is one of my all time favorite series and this book did not disappoint. I love Emily and Brent, it’s been so fun watching their relationship grow. I was a little disappointed that some of the regular characters weren’t in this story as much. The mystery was good and I liked how it all came together at the end. The beignets that they were serving at Deputy Donut sounded so good. There was a recipe for them at the end but they sound like a lot of work.
November 27, 2024
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
I love a cozy mystery that gets its setting just right, and Ginger Bolton "gets" Wisconsin (the frequency with which the characters drink milk, for one). It felt like this one didn't include as much of Emily's friends and family members as previous books, and I missed them, but it's an interesting mystery with plenty of characters introduced that make great suspects.
I love a cozy mystery that gets its setting just right, and Ginger Bolton "gets" Wisconsin (the frequency with which the characters drink milk, for one). It felt like this one didn't include as much of Emily's friends and family members as previous books, and I missed them, but it's an interesting mystery with plenty of characters introduced that make great suspects.
December 31, 2024
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
It was a delight to visit newlyweds Emily and Brent in the early autumn days of Fallingbrook, Wisconsin! They enjoy the blessing of two homes, the ones owned before their marriage. Emily’s is close to both of their workplaces. Emily is co-owner of Deputy Donut Café with her late husband’s father, and Brent is a police detective. Brent’s chalet is on a lake, a longer drive, but well-worth it during mild weather. The humor woven throughout and the heartwarming moments between Emily, Brent, Dep, and their loved ones are two of the elements that I enjoy most about the series, along with, of course, the challenging mysteries.
The characters are consistent with earlier novels while showing their growth through their life changes. Each is defined well, befitting their roles. It was fun to see Rex again, a detective for the state’s Division of Criminal Investigation and Summer, owner of the Craft Croft gift shop. They had hit it off when he was in town in the past to help with investigations, and this visit allows them time together.
Emily’s business partner at Deputy Donut is Tom, her late husband’s father and retired police chief. It is named after the adorable Deputy “Dep� Donut, Emily’s tortoiseshell cat with an unusual donut shaped marking. Cat lovers will be captivated by Dep’s cat-sonality and appreciate how the donut shop’s office is set up as her daytime playland.
One afternoon, there were unusual customers in the café. Nobody knew they would be entangled in a murder that occurred the next evening.
At one table, two men were arguing while the woman with them said little.
Two young men came in through the office instead of the main entry, with a tiny dog wearing what looked like a wedding dress. One of them let loose the pup and Dep into the dining area, then enjoyed the chaos. The other helped Emily separate the pets until a nearby shopkeeper came in to claim her pup. Hannah, one of the servers, knew the two young men and took a break to sit with them.
One man came in alone, wanting to sit near other customers. Forrest, an “investment expert�, was firmly turned away by Hannah and her friends when he tried to sell his expertise.
The woman and one of the men left the table where the two men were arguing. After the second man left, Forrest followed him with his sales pitch.
The next evening, one of the six was dead. The other five were possible suspects in the death.
Emily was at their chalet on the lake the next evening, waiting for Brent to come home. Emily heard a scream. It was from the direction of where Hannah and her friends had discussed hiking earlier that day, a steep, dangerous trail with a huge boulder that reminded Emily of the beignets the shop serves. Frightened for Hannah, Emily raced to the trailhead. From the top of the cliff, she saw what a shod foot and jean-clad ankle on a ledge far below, and called dispatch.
It was the body of one of the six who had been at Deputy Donut the prior day.
While awaiting first responders at the trailhead, Emily noted and later showed Brent some possible evidence in the parking area. Customers at Deputy Donut were curious, two bad business experiences with the murder victim, and all expected Emily to take an active part in the investigation as she did in earlier cases. Emily tried to stay out of the investigation, but didn’t think it would hurt if she asked a few questions.
Brent was not a fan of Emily’s involvement only because he didn’t want her hurt by bad guys. For the most part, Emily shares whatever she learns with him. Clues and the victim’s background pointed to several motivated, potential suspects, as the victim wasn’t very well-liked. Red herrings temporarily distracted me, as well as Emily’s sharing rides in her kayak with Dep. The killer took me by surprise! This mystery concluded with the satisfaction of the capture of the killer and the final outcome. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, and earlier mysteries in the series! I have happily followed this series and eagerly look forward to the next visit.
November 19, 2024
Emily Fyne, newly married to Detective Brent Fyne, owns Deputy Donut Cafe with her late husband's father, Tom Westhill. They've got a new special of beignets, and everyone who tastes them loves them; so, they sell out fast. Her employee Hannah is taking a break from school to work there with her older sister Olivia, so all seems well.
But one day two young men enter the cafe with a tiny dog, and no one seems to know who she belongs to -- at least until another shop owner is heard calling for her. But there's been chaos already, with Emily's cat Dep taking umbrage at the dog's presence, and letting everyone know it by escaping himself. Once Dep is corralled and everything goes back to normal, Emily learns the two men -- Zachary and Joshua -- are known to Hannah, and both seem to be interested in her.
This doesn't sit well with Olivia, who likes Zachary, but isn't happy that Hannah seems to favor the unknown (up until now) Joshua. Then there's another altercation at the cafe between two men and a woman, and another man who enters trying to sell 'deals' to the customers. Once Emily has the cafe back to order, she wonders if it can get any worse.
It does, when she discovers a dead body on a trail not too far from her lakeside home -- along with one of Hannah's hairclips. Once she discovers the identity of the man, she wonders if Hannah or her friends had anything to do with it; even putting this idea out of her head doesn't do much good, as she finds out there are plenty of other suspects who wanted the person dead. Now she's on the trail of a killer, and hopes she can find them before someone else is slain...
This is the ninth book in the series, and I have read them all. I love the story lines, and the characters, and especially little Dep, who has his own say in the murders and solving them. A pretty smart cat (but then, I favor cats and know that most of them are!). Emily is trying to prove Hannah innocent, but her detective husband Brent has to look at the evidence, and the hairclip could point to her involvement. It rankles Emily, but she knows that it does look incriminating. But Olivia didn't want Hannah to hike that trail -- for good reason -- so why was she there when she is claiming she wasn't?
Now Emily is looking to find out who had the best reason for the person's demise, and she does find clues along the way, which she passes on to Brent, just as she should. It makes their life together flow easily, and you can see that they love and respect each other, which is the main thing marriage should do for people. It's realistic, and I like it.
There are clues throughout, but they aren't easy to find. I didn't know the murderer until Emily did, and that's a very good thing, as I read a lot of mysteries and far too often, I discover the killer the minute they step on the page. In this one, she hid the person well, which gave an element of surprise that I truly enjoyed.
In the end, the reasons for the murder were no more than it should be, as the mind of a killer is always hard to decipher, nor would I want to. What I want is what this mystery gives us: secrets, lies, intrigues, and a lot of action. Kudos to Ms. Bolton. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But one day two young men enter the cafe with a tiny dog, and no one seems to know who she belongs to -- at least until another shop owner is heard calling for her. But there's been chaos already, with Emily's cat Dep taking umbrage at the dog's presence, and letting everyone know it by escaping himself. Once Dep is corralled and everything goes back to normal, Emily learns the two men -- Zachary and Joshua -- are known to Hannah, and both seem to be interested in her.
This doesn't sit well with Olivia, who likes Zachary, but isn't happy that Hannah seems to favor the unknown (up until now) Joshua. Then there's another altercation at the cafe between two men and a woman, and another man who enters trying to sell 'deals' to the customers. Once Emily has the cafe back to order, she wonders if it can get any worse.
It does, when she discovers a dead body on a trail not too far from her lakeside home -- along with one of Hannah's hairclips. Once she discovers the identity of the man, she wonders if Hannah or her friends had anything to do with it; even putting this idea out of her head doesn't do much good, as she finds out there are plenty of other suspects who wanted the person dead. Now she's on the trail of a killer, and hopes she can find them before someone else is slain...
This is the ninth book in the series, and I have read them all. I love the story lines, and the characters, and especially little Dep, who has his own say in the murders and solving them. A pretty smart cat (but then, I favor cats and know that most of them are!). Emily is trying to prove Hannah innocent, but her detective husband Brent has to look at the evidence, and the hairclip could point to her involvement. It rankles Emily, but she knows that it does look incriminating. But Olivia didn't want Hannah to hike that trail -- for good reason -- so why was she there when she is claiming she wasn't?
Now Emily is looking to find out who had the best reason for the person's demise, and she does find clues along the way, which she passes on to Brent, just as she should. It makes their life together flow easily, and you can see that they love and respect each other, which is the main thing marriage should do for people. It's realistic, and I like it.
There are clues throughout, but they aren't easy to find. I didn't know the murderer until Emily did, and that's a very good thing, as I read a lot of mysteries and far too often, I discover the killer the minute they step on the page. In this one, she hid the person well, which gave an element of surprise that I truly enjoyed.
In the end, the reasons for the murder were no more than it should be, as the mind of a killer is always hard to decipher, nor would I want to. What I want is what this mystery gives us: secrets, lies, intrigues, and a lot of action. Kudos to Ms. Bolton. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
November 24, 2024
The Deputy Donut series is a must read, and Blame the Beignets, the 9th book in the series, confirms this. It’s always fun spending time with Emily, her friends, the staff of Deputy Donut and of course Dep himself! This book finds Emily and Brent married, and Deputy Donut with a new employee, Olivia’s younger sister Hannah. Of course, all of the characters we’ve grown to love from the previous installments are there, but this story focuses on Hannah, two of her college acquaintances that have come to town, and a local handyman/campground manager who seems to be rather unlikeable, as he manages to end up being murdered out by the lake where Emily and Brent’s home is. Suspects abound, and sometimes it’s difficult to keep track of them all, but eventually the clues lead you to the culprit, but not before Hannah finds herself in peril in a canoe on the lake. A new character, in the form of Gigi, a small dog whose owner dresses her in gowns that match her own, is introduced. At first you wonder why this dog is now in the story, but eventually you learn that Gigi is indeed a key character!
The author has a way of writing these stories that draws you into the lives of the people in Fallingbrook � it’s very easy to forget that there is a crime to be solved as you become so wrapped up in the day-to-day life of the characters. This is just one of the reasons these are such enjoyable books. By the time you finish reading any of the books you’ve become so invested in life in Fallingbrook, the wonderful setting of the donut shop and the lake house, and the lives of the characters, particularly Emily and Brent, that you do not want the story to end. Of course, Dep is up to the usual antics, hanging out in the donut shop and enjoying the new catio that Brent and Tom built for him at the lake house.
This is a really great mystery that the author has done an outstanding job setting up, introducing the potential suspects, describing the setting, planting clues and red herrings, all of which led you to a surprise ending when the murderer is revealed. It’s everything you want in a good book! Blame the Beignets, as well as the others in the series, is not to be missed!
The author has a way of writing these stories that draws you into the lives of the people in Fallingbrook � it’s very easy to forget that there is a crime to be solved as you become so wrapped up in the day-to-day life of the characters. This is just one of the reasons these are such enjoyable books. By the time you finish reading any of the books you’ve become so invested in life in Fallingbrook, the wonderful setting of the donut shop and the lake house, and the lives of the characters, particularly Emily and Brent, that you do not want the story to end. Of course, Dep is up to the usual antics, hanging out in the donut shop and enjoying the new catio that Brent and Tom built for him at the lake house.
This is a really great mystery that the author has done an outstanding job setting up, introducing the potential suspects, describing the setting, planting clues and red herrings, all of which led you to a surprise ending when the murderer is revealed. It’s everything you want in a good book! Blame the Beignets, as well as the others in the series, is not to be missed!
November 22, 2024
BLAME THE BEIGNETS is the ninth book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries by Ginger Bolton. This newest release finds the protagonist, Emily, happily married to Brett, settling in to her new life. They love the outdoors, kayaking and hiking around Brett’s lakeside home, and I liked how this set the theme for the mystery. The author brings the forests, trails, and lake setting to life with vivid descriptions. And while I may be a city girl, she made it so idyllic it made me want to explore the great Wisconsin outdoors myself. Emily also owns and runs Deputy Donuts alongside her former father-in-law. I just adore their sweet relationship, as well as how Emily interacts with both her employees and her customers. She’s one of those people you’d love to call a friend and spend time with. Of course, I can’t forget to mention the mascot of the shop Deputy Donut—Dep for short—the cat! He has quite the personality and steals each scene he inhabits� which sets the stage for the opening chapters, which contain quite the kerfuffle when Dep and Gigi, the wedding gown wearing dog, collide.
The author has written an entertaining story that’s packed full of intertwining plot threads. Clues are sprinkled about and there are plenty of suspects surrounding the murder of an unscrupulous man, to keep the reader guessing. When Emily’s young employee, Hannah, gets caught up in the investigation, and becomes a suspect, Emily feels the need to ask questions. Except Hannah seems to be hiding something, which only makes her appear guiltier. Hannah’s overbearing older sister isn’t making the investigation any easier either. Emily’s quest takes her out onto the waters of the lake (I love how Dep enjoys kayaking almost as much as she does), and on the paths of the forest, following a trail of pumpkin spice beignets, one of Deputy Donuts� specialties. I couldn’t help but worry about their safety, but Emily is a seasoned amateur sleuth and knows how to conduct herself. In the end, all the subplots came together perfectly, with a sweet ending to a delicious cozy mystery!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The author has written an entertaining story that’s packed full of intertwining plot threads. Clues are sprinkled about and there are plenty of suspects surrounding the murder of an unscrupulous man, to keep the reader guessing. When Emily’s young employee, Hannah, gets caught up in the investigation, and becomes a suspect, Emily feels the need to ask questions. Except Hannah seems to be hiding something, which only makes her appear guiltier. Hannah’s overbearing older sister isn’t making the investigation any easier either. Emily’s quest takes her out onto the waters of the lake (I love how Dep enjoys kayaking almost as much as she does), and on the paths of the forest, following a trail of pumpkin spice beignets, one of Deputy Donuts� specialties. I couldn’t help but worry about their safety, but Emily is a seasoned amateur sleuth and knows how to conduct herself. In the end, all the subplots came together perfectly, with a sweet ending to a delicious cozy mystery!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 25, 2024
This is the ninth book in an excellent cozy mystery series. I picked up the series a couple of books ago, and as someone (fairly) new to the series, I think this book would work fine as a stand-alone. The author provides everything you need to know to jump right in with this book.
I really enjoyed the small-town setting. I loved the descriptions of Emily's business (Deputy Donut), as well as all the special treats and coffees prepared and served there. This time around, we spent a lot of time at Emily and Brent's secluded house on the lake, as well as the state park with its various trails. I appreciated getting to see more of the outdoorsy areas of Fallingbrook!
The mystery itself was excellent! The victim was known to have caused problems for several people, and some others were known to be in the area near the time of his death. As a result, there were plenty of suspects for Brent, Rex, and (of course) Emily to investigate. The author provided a variety of clues for Emily to research, and it was fun watching her try to figure everything out. I was fairly confident in my choice of suspect (and even after the initial solution, I was waiting for the next chapter to reveal that this person was also in on it). Of course I was wrong, and the actual culprit made perfect sense.
I liked reading about main character Emily. She seems like a very real person, and one I'd love to know in real life. In this book, the reader gets to experience the early stage of Emily and Brent's married life, including their indecision about which of their homes to live in, and what to do with the other one. I'm happy that the series seems poised to continue; hopefully Samantha's baby shower won't be the only one we get to attend!
As always, Dep the cat was adorable and helpful in solving the mystery (in a realistic catlike way). As a bonus, a new pet has been added to the town: Gigi, a fancily-dressed tiny dog belonging to the owner of a formal-wear shop across from Deputy Donut. I look forward to seeing more of her in future installments!
I'm happily rating "Blame the Beignets" five out of five chunks of perfect sharp cheddar!
I really enjoyed the small-town setting. I loved the descriptions of Emily's business (Deputy Donut), as well as all the special treats and coffees prepared and served there. This time around, we spent a lot of time at Emily and Brent's secluded house on the lake, as well as the state park with its various trails. I appreciated getting to see more of the outdoorsy areas of Fallingbrook!
The mystery itself was excellent! The victim was known to have caused problems for several people, and some others were known to be in the area near the time of his death. As a result, there were plenty of suspects for Brent, Rex, and (of course) Emily to investigate. The author provided a variety of clues for Emily to research, and it was fun watching her try to figure everything out. I was fairly confident in my choice of suspect (and even after the initial solution, I was waiting for the next chapter to reveal that this person was also in on it). Of course I was wrong, and the actual culprit made perfect sense.
I liked reading about main character Emily. She seems like a very real person, and one I'd love to know in real life. In this book, the reader gets to experience the early stage of Emily and Brent's married life, including their indecision about which of their homes to live in, and what to do with the other one. I'm happy that the series seems poised to continue; hopefully Samantha's baby shower won't be the only one we get to attend!
As always, Dep the cat was adorable and helpful in solving the mystery (in a realistic catlike way). As a bonus, a new pet has been added to the town: Gigi, a fancily-dressed tiny dog belonging to the owner of a formal-wear shop across from Deputy Donut. I look forward to seeing more of her in future installments!
I'm happily rating "Blame the Beignets" five out of five chunks of perfect sharp cheddar!
December 5, 2024
"Blame The Beignets" is book #9 in the "Deputy Donut Mystery" by Ginger Bolton.
Solving this murder mystery took a lot of twists and turns for Emily. Conflicting stories, half truths and a few outright lies from various suspects didn't make it any easier. Besides trying to solve a murder, she is also preparing to host a baby shower for one of her besties. Then there is the adorable Dep, who really doesn't like being put in the cat carrier to be driven to and from the country home to the bakeshop in town.
I do love the core characters of this series. They look out for each other and the people around them. The relationships and dialogue feel realistic.
As for solving the murder, I did have a hunch as to who was behind it - though I didn't know the motive until a bit before Emily figured it out.
Overall, this was an entertaining cozy mystery that also includes a few yummy sounding recipes at the end!
"As the weather cools down, business heats up at Deputy Donut Café for owner Emily Westhill. But is a stubborn tabby cat, a mysterious new employee, and a murder case with a baker’s dozen worth of suspects too much to manage?
With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .
Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . ."
Solving this murder mystery took a lot of twists and turns for Emily. Conflicting stories, half truths and a few outright lies from various suspects didn't make it any easier. Besides trying to solve a murder, she is also preparing to host a baby shower for one of her besties. Then there is the adorable Dep, who really doesn't like being put in the cat carrier to be driven to and from the country home to the bakeshop in town.
I do love the core characters of this series. They look out for each other and the people around them. The relationships and dialogue feel realistic.
As for solving the murder, I did have a hunch as to who was behind it - though I didn't know the motive until a bit before Emily figured it out.
Overall, this was an entertaining cozy mystery that also includes a few yummy sounding recipes at the end!
"As the weather cools down, business heats up at Deputy Donut Café for owner Emily Westhill. But is a stubborn tabby cat, a mysterious new employee, and a murder case with a baker’s dozen worth of suspects too much to manage?
With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .
Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . ."
February 10, 2025
Book Review: Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton is a charming addition to the cozy mystery genre, and it's the ninth installment in The Deputy Donuts Mystery series. Honestly, the first thing that drew me in was the delightful cover—it's as inviting as a warm donut on a chilly day. And while covers can be deceiving, this one does justice to the cozy charm inside.
The story revolves around Emily Westhill, the owner of the Deputy Donut Café. As autumn sets in and business picks up, Emily finds herself juggling more than just donut orders. The arrival of her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, adds an interesting dynamic to the café. Hannah's knack for serving up powdered pastries attracts some curious patrons, including two admirers whose interest in her complicates matters. However, things take a sinister turn when Emily discovers a dead body near her home, with a trail of her beignets leading to the scene and Hannah's hair clip ominously nearby.
What I found particularly engaging was how the author weaves the mystery with a touch of humor and warmth that you’d expect from a small-town setting. The suspects are numerous, and while I had my guesses, the twists kept me on my toes. Emily is a likable protagonist—quirky but endearing—and her determination to get to the bottom of the murder makes for an engaging read.
One of my favorite parts was undoubtedly the recipes at the back of the book. They add an extra layer of coziness, making me want to try my hand at crafting some of those delicious-sounding beignets myself.
Overall, Blame the Beignets offers a satisfying mystery with enough suspense to keep you guessing. It's a light read that's perfect for curling up with on a cool afternoon. While it might not be groundbreaking, it’s certainly a sweet treat for fans of the cozy mystery genre. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars—an enjoyable read with just the right mix of intrigue and comfort.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton is a charming addition to the cozy mystery genre, and it's the ninth installment in The Deputy Donuts Mystery series. Honestly, the first thing that drew me in was the delightful cover—it's as inviting as a warm donut on a chilly day. And while covers can be deceiving, this one does justice to the cozy charm inside.
The story revolves around Emily Westhill, the owner of the Deputy Donut Café. As autumn sets in and business picks up, Emily finds herself juggling more than just donut orders. The arrival of her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, adds an interesting dynamic to the café. Hannah's knack for serving up powdered pastries attracts some curious patrons, including two admirers whose interest in her complicates matters. However, things take a sinister turn when Emily discovers a dead body near her home, with a trail of her beignets leading to the scene and Hannah's hair clip ominously nearby.
What I found particularly engaging was how the author weaves the mystery with a touch of humor and warmth that you’d expect from a small-town setting. The suspects are numerous, and while I had my guesses, the twists kept me on my toes. Emily is a likable protagonist—quirky but endearing—and her determination to get to the bottom of the murder makes for an engaging read.
One of my favorite parts was undoubtedly the recipes at the back of the book. They add an extra layer of coziness, making me want to try my hand at crafting some of those delicious-sounding beignets myself.
Overall, Blame the Beignets offers a satisfying mystery with enough suspense to keep you guessing. It's a light read that's perfect for curling up with on a cool afternoon. While it might not be groundbreaking, it’s certainly a sweet treat for fans of the cozy mystery genre. I'd give it a solid 3.5 stars—an enjoyable read with just the right mix of intrigue and comfort.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
December 6, 2024
Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton is a cozy mystery featuring Deputy Donut owners, Emily and her former father-in law, Tom. Her first husband, Tom’s son, Alec, had died working on a police matter. Tom had retired and to keep busy he had opened this bakery and breakfast/lunch cafe with Emily had been so lucky to eventually fall in love with Alec’s partner, Brent. They had kept both her house in town and Brent’s house out at a nearby lake. Life was good. Recently a young woman named Hannah had started working at Deputy Donut. Emily had seen better employees, but sadly she’d seen worse. Hannah was Olivia’s (long time employee) sister. One day two young men came in looking for Hannah: Joshua and Zachary. Zachary was a graduate student, researching mushrooms and Hannah’s former boyfriend. Joshua was younger and more exciting, including his motorcycle, which was making Olivia nuts. Thus began the story of a man presumed to have fallen off a slippery rock to his death, but turned out to be murder.
Emily and Brent have a good working relationship. He knows he can’t stop her so he tries to moderate. Emily’s all wound up in this because it took place near their lake house and she thought she’d heard a scream at about the right time. Deputy Donut is a community meeting place. Eventually, everyone comes through, so there is the potential for a lot of gossip and opportunities to ask questions. Things Brent would never know if Emily didn’t eavesdrop ot ask questions. It was a down home kind of murder and surprising people were involved for interesting reasons. Old grudges, mistaken identity, and such. Very enjoyable time spent.
I was invited to read Blame the Beignets by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #GingerBolton #BlameTheBeignets
Emily and Brent have a good working relationship. He knows he can’t stop her so he tries to moderate. Emily’s all wound up in this because it took place near their lake house and she thought she’d heard a scream at about the right time. Deputy Donut is a community meeting place. Eventually, everyone comes through, so there is the potential for a lot of gossip and opportunities to ask questions. Things Brent would never know if Emily didn’t eavesdrop ot ask questions. It was a down home kind of murder and surprising people were involved for interesting reasons. Old grudges, mistaken identity, and such. Very enjoyable time spent.
I was invited to read Blame the Beignets by Kensington Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #KensingtonPublishing #GingerBolton #BlameTheBeignets
November 26, 2024
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ginger Bolton for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Blame the Beignets coming out November 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .
Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . .
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I really love cozy mysteries, especially when there’s food and recipes involved. I was excited to check this one out! I love the small town vibes and autumn setting. I thought Emily was a smart and fun character and I loved the town characters. I really enjoyed the mystery. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
With mouthwatering treats selling fast in October, Emily is delighted to welcome her assistant’s younger sister, Hannah, to help at the donut shop while taking a semester off from college. But Hannah’s talent for dishing powdered pastries without dropping a crumb attracts some unusual customers, as two admirers with opposite personalities begin to show up during her shifts—much to her older sister’s disappointment . . .
Real trouble comes afterhours in the dark forest surrounding Emily’s lakeside house. Emily follows a trail of her freshly-made beignets—just like those purchased by the two admirers—to a dead body. And while the victim may have burned a few bridges, there’s no way to sugarcoat the discovery of Hannah’s hairclip at the crime scene. Now, as suspicions fall on her own employee and unsavory rumors swirl around town, it will take far more than a sprinkle of good luck for Emily to learn the truth and expose a killer with a very deadly craving . . .
I haven’t read the other books in this series, but I really love cozy mysteries, especially when there’s food and recipes involved. I was excited to check this one out! I love the small town vibes and autumn setting. I thought Emily was a smart and fun character and I loved the town characters. I really enjoyed the mystery. I would definitely read more books by this author!
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries!
November 21, 2024
Emily Westhill’s business is doing well and everyone is flocking in for a taste of her beignets. Her employees Olivia and Olivia’s sister Hannah, a new hire, are helping to keep the Deputy Donut running smoothly. Unfortunately when Emily follows a trail of beignets crumbs to the scene of a murder she finds Hannah’s hair clip and must find the truth to clear Hannah’s name. Add a sassy cat, a love triangle, a disappointed sister and a plethora of suspects and Emily soon finds her head spinning. Can she find the truth before the killer strikes again?
This was a well written and well paced mystery that kept me guessing almost to the end. It had a multitude of suspects with varying motives that kept the story interesting. I found Olivia and Hannah’s relationship relatable since I have an older sister myself. The author also did a great job of painting a vivid picture of the atmosphere so that you could clearly visualize the places she described. The standout character for me was the precocious and adventurous Dep, who helped Emily investigate in his own special way.
This was a fun cozy mystery and is definitely worth the read. The writing flowed well and the characters were interesting and ,for the most part, relatable. Plus I love being able to work through a good mystery and the author did a good job of not revealing things too soon in the story. The story related recipes at the end were the perfect cap off to this entertaining read.
This was a well written and well paced mystery that kept me guessing almost to the end. It had a multitude of suspects with varying motives that kept the story interesting. I found Olivia and Hannah’s relationship relatable since I have an older sister myself. The author also did a great job of painting a vivid picture of the atmosphere so that you could clearly visualize the places she described. The standout character for me was the precocious and adventurous Dep, who helped Emily investigate in his own special way.
This was a fun cozy mystery and is definitely worth the read. The writing flowed well and the characters were interesting and ,for the most part, relatable. Plus I love being able to work through a good mystery and the author did a good job of not revealing things too soon in the story. The story related recipes at the end were the perfect cap off to this entertaining read.
November 24, 2024
This is the 9th installment in the Deputy Donut series. I have read some, but not all in this series and this one was just as good as the others in the series. In this one, Emily is preparing for her friend Samantha's baby shower. Some of Emily's employee, Hannah's, friends and in town and she has been spending time with them. There were also some other people in Deputy Donut, one man that was getting rid of his business partner and a man trying to get people to invest in his company. Emily finds a body off of a trail in Chicory Lake State Park. It happens to be the business partner, so Emily has to help her new husband, Detective Brent, solve the crime.
I enjoy this series. I like setting, which is a donut shop in a small Wisconsin town. The characters are likable and relatable. I like Emily the best, as she is a strong protagonist. But I think the best character is Emily's cate, Deputy Donut.
This story flowed well and kept my attention from the beginning. There was a lot going on in this one with many twists and turns that kept me guessing. There were a lot of suspects with a lot of motives for committing the crime. Emily did a very good job in putting the puzzle pieces together to solve the crime. I was surprised by who Emily deduced as the killer. The reveal of the killer was pretty exciting. I will definitely be looking forward to more in this series, and going back and reading the ones I have missed in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
I enjoy this series. I like setting, which is a donut shop in a small Wisconsin town. The characters are likable and relatable. I like Emily the best, as she is a strong protagonist. But I think the best character is Emily's cate, Deputy Donut.
This story flowed well and kept my attention from the beginning. There was a lot going on in this one with many twists and turns that kept me guessing. There were a lot of suspects with a lot of motives for committing the crime. Emily did a very good job in putting the puzzle pieces together to solve the crime. I was surprised by who Emily deduced as the killer. The reveal of the killer was pretty exciting. I will definitely be looking forward to more in this series, and going back and reading the ones I have missed in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book.
December 8, 2024
I always enjoy a visit to Fallingbrook to see what Emily and her sweet kitty Deputy aka Dep are up to. Emily's new assistant Hannah and her sister Olivia who also worked for Emily were the employees featured. Hannah and a couple friends were indirectly involved in a murder, so I could just imagine how poor Olivia was worrying like crazy.
I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren't in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily's friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.
The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don't bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they'd probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it'll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. Can't wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I love that Emily and Brent were settled in as a married couple now like her besties Misty and Samantha. They weren't in the story a whole lot except for their roles as police officer and paramedic. I was glad the DCI detective that came this time was Rex who we know from previous books. Emily's friend Summer was really glad to see him lol. I see a new romance starting up and Det. Rex may just have to make excuses to come to town more often.
The showdown was both exciting and fun in a comical sorta way. Everything that led up to catching the perp was pretty awesome and it was a group effort too. Heck, don't bother with prison, just turn Madame Monique loose on a criminal—they'd probably beg for prison instead lol. I was secretly cheering her on because she had an excellent reason for what she was doing to the perp. I really enjoyed the ending and hopefully it'll turn out amazing for a very special couple Emily and Brent were good friends with. Can't wait to read the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
January 26, 2025
Emily and Dep are kayaking on the lake when they hear a scream. They later discover the broken body of a n’er do well man at the bottom of a cliff. Between Emily and her husband Brent, the murder is going to be investigated, especially since it appears that one of the young women who works for her might be ensnared in the mystery. Just how and what it will mean is uncertain but Emily, with justification, is concerned for Hannah’s welfare.
The deceased, while being a lazy and incompetent worker, and a not very pleasant guy is a perplexing victim. Emily is flummoxed in trying to figure out who disliked him enough to push him off a cliff. But then there are some things that make her wonder if she is looking at this from the wrong angle and when she does what was frightening becomes terrifying. And the killer and the motive will shake Emily and her family and friends to the core. There is a very exciting denouement where Emily is brave but not foolhardy. I like that. She does not go looking for trouble but she is not hesitant to go to the rescue when someone is in danger. In this way, I think this might have been my favourite book of the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
The deceased, while being a lazy and incompetent worker, and a not very pleasant guy is a perplexing victim. Emily is flummoxed in trying to figure out who disliked him enough to push him off a cliff. But then there are some things that make her wonder if she is looking at this from the wrong angle and when she does what was frightening becomes terrifying. And the killer and the motive will shake Emily and her family and friends to the core. There is a very exciting denouement where Emily is brave but not foolhardy. I like that. She does not go looking for trouble but she is not hesitant to go to the rescue when someone is in danger. In this way, I think this might have been my favourite book of the series.
Five purrs and two paws up.
October 22, 2024
I missed the “Double Grunge Donuts� so reading “Blame the Beignets� is like coming home to Fallingbrook. Emily Westfall the owner of Deputy Donuts, feels like a friend. Plus. everyone loves a cat name Deputy Donut or Dep for short.
I like that Emily has given her assistant Olivia’s little sister a chance to work in the shop. Hannah is a welcome edition that brings in a younger perspective. Plus, it allows for the development of a love triangle as well as the interaction between the two sisters.
The beignets are going strong in the shop and everyone seems to like them. Which is great until scraps of beignets are found on the trail to a murder. Emily and her friends try to uncover who did it in a case where most everyone had motive. Brent tries to keep Emily from getting into to much trouble as she goes off to solve the murder.
Dep liking to Kayak with Emily is a nice touch. Both the houses they owned before getting married sound wonderful for different reasons and I like that they go back and forth until they can decide.
This is a good read with a lot of interesting character development including some very quirky characters.
I received an advance copy.
I like that Emily has given her assistant Olivia’s little sister a chance to work in the shop. Hannah is a welcome edition that brings in a younger perspective. Plus, it allows for the development of a love triangle as well as the interaction between the two sisters.
The beignets are going strong in the shop and everyone seems to like them. Which is great until scraps of beignets are found on the trail to a murder. Emily and her friends try to uncover who did it in a case where most everyone had motive. Brent tries to keep Emily from getting into to much trouble as she goes off to solve the murder.
Dep liking to Kayak with Emily is a nice touch. Both the houses they owned before getting married sound wonderful for different reasons and I like that they go back and forth until they can decide.
This is a good read with a lot of interesting character development including some very quirky characters.
I received an advance copy.
November 16, 2024
Blame the Beignets is the 9th book in the Deputy Donut Mysteries, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I’m a longtime fan of Ginger Bolton, and she consistently delivers creative, entertaining Cozy Mysteries.
I think one reason I enjoyed this book so much is it delves into the newly married life of Emily and Brent. I’ve read Cozy series before where the series ends with the amateur sleuth getting married, and I like that this one continues the story of this wonderful couple. All of the other characters in the books are well-developed, and it’s nice to see them from book to book.
There are several suspects in this particular book, and I was kept guessing until the very end. The author creates compelling plots with intriguing mysteries, and this one is definitely a favorite now.
The author is so good about writing the settings that throughout the series, I can always “see� what each location looks like, and it doesn’t change. I also enjoyed getting to spend more time at Brent’s chalet in the forest, and learning more about that location.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Cozy Mystery Review Crew and the author, and I happily share my review with readers.
I think one reason I enjoyed this book so much is it delves into the newly married life of Emily and Brent. I’ve read Cozy series before where the series ends with the amateur sleuth getting married, and I like that this one continues the story of this wonderful couple. All of the other characters in the books are well-developed, and it’s nice to see them from book to book.
There are several suspects in this particular book, and I was kept guessing until the very end. The author creates compelling plots with intriguing mysteries, and this one is definitely a favorite now.
The author is so good about writing the settings that throughout the series, I can always “see� what each location looks like, and it doesn’t change. I also enjoyed getting to spend more time at Brent’s chalet in the forest, and learning more about that location.
I received an advanced copy of the book from Cozy Mystery Review Crew and the author, and I happily share my review with readers.
November 10, 2024
Blame the Beignets by Ginger Bolton is a wonderful cozy mystery that is the 9th book in the Deputy Donut Mystery series.
I really like this series as a whole. I have followed the progression from just meeting everyone in the quaint town of Fallingbrook, Wisconsin (which by the way for a small town has a high rate of murder�) and our MC, Emily, to seeing the marriages and relationships grow and expand.
This was a very nice addition to this delightful series. An interesting murder/mystery involving a few of the secondary characters that we usually don’t get as much of, and that combination made for a great book.
I am definitely looking forward to the future books in this series.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/26/24.
I really like this series as a whole. I have followed the progression from just meeting everyone in the quaint town of Fallingbrook, Wisconsin (which by the way for a small town has a high rate of murder�) and our MC, Emily, to seeing the marriages and relationships grow and expand.
This was a very nice addition to this delightful series. An interesting murder/mystery involving a few of the secondary characters that we usually don’t get as much of, and that combination made for a great book.
I am definitely looking forward to the future books in this series.
4.5/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/26/24.
November 25, 2024
Blame the Beignets is a great cozy mystery! I liked the small town setting in Wisconsin, and all the descriptions of the donut shop, lake, and hiking trails made me wish I could visit that town in real life.
This was a good mystery. A local man is found dead on one of the hiking trails, and lots of people either had issues with him, making them good suspects. I liked that Emily has a friendly relationship with local law enforcement (she's married to a detective), that she tells him when she finds a clue. Even better, her husband sometimes asks her advice about the case!
It was fun reading about Emily helping solve the case by talking to suspects and snooping around areas near the crime scene with her cat. The cat (Dep) even helps uncover a clue!
The pets are great in this series as well. Emily's cat Dep is adorable, and Madame Monique (a local business owner) has a new dog named Gigi that she dresses up in formal clothing all the time. I would like to see more of Gigi in future books. Maybe she and Dep will eventually become friends!
This was a good mystery. A local man is found dead on one of the hiking trails, and lots of people either had issues with him, making them good suspects. I liked that Emily has a friendly relationship with local law enforcement (she's married to a detective), that she tells him when she finds a clue. Even better, her husband sometimes asks her advice about the case!
It was fun reading about Emily helping solve the case by talking to suspects and snooping around areas near the crime scene with her cat. The cat (Dep) even helps uncover a clue!
The pets are great in this series as well. Emily's cat Dep is adorable, and Madame Monique (a local business owner) has a new dog named Gigi that she dresses up in formal clothing all the time. I would like to see more of Gigi in future books. Maybe she and Dep will eventually become friends!
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